Genesis X Gran Coupe and X Convertible Appear Real, Look Utterly Delicious

Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai, has been teasing us with stunning coupe and convertible concepts since the X Concept of 2021 and the X Convertible Concept from late ’22. At this spring’s Seoul auto show, Genesis unveiled a pair of concepts derived from both that look much closer to reality, enough so that we don't think they really qualify as concept cars in the traditional sense. While several of the earlier X concepts have been electric, these two one-offs are based on the G90 sedan—to anyone who has gazed upon the G90 long enough, the lineage is clear—and they look like they could have come out of a Genesis assembly plant rather than a design studio.

The four-door G90 sedan’s basic shape lends itself quite nicely these two-door concepts. Compared to the G90 sedan, the hood has been elongated slightly and the lower grille made narrower and a bit more aggressive. Out back, the rear fenders lose the G90 sedan’s creased fussiness in favor of a beautiful muscular bulge, and the rear fascia has been streamlined as well. We can’t help but wonder if what we’re seeing in these concepts is indicative of an upcoming G90 facelift. We also can’t help but wonder how many people in Stuttgart are going to see these handsome Genesis two-doors and regret the decision to discontinue the full-size Mercedes S-Class coupe.

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Interior design and layout are very close to the G90 sedan, which we regard as a good thing. Like Genesis’ production cars, both concepts are awash in Bentley-esque touches such as deeply-quilted leather upholstery and jewel-like switchgear. The X Coupe, Genesis tells us, is inspired by Mediterranean olive trees, with olive-green paint and an interior done up in green leather and olive wood veneer with olive-leaf-themed accents. The X Convertible, is designed to remind us of “the spirit of fine wines”, with wine-colored paint and a blue interior supposedly the same color as Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Italy. The interiors really do look fantastic, and have us—dare we say it?—hungering to see them in a production car.

While Genesis did not give us any mechanical specs, we know all too well what makes the G90 sedan go: Base engine is a 375 hp 3.5 liter twin-turbo V-6, and an optional 48-volt hybrid system and e-supercharger steps that powertrain up to 409 horsepower, with every last one delivered in smooth, serene silence. The G90 sedan was our 2023 MotorTrend Car of the Year, and twelve months spent with the big hybrid sedan did nothing to diminish our love and respect. A two door version of the sedan, with the roof either fixed or folding, would be most welcome.

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Are these cars going to become reality? We have no idea. Genesis is preparing its Magma performance sub-brand, so we know they are eager to expand the lineup beyond the current SUV and sedan offerings. Other slick-looking Genesis concepts, like the GV80 Coupe, have made it to production. The X Gran Coupe and X Convertible would make great additions to the Genesis lineup. We’ll keep our fingers crossed… or, should we say, arranged in the shape of an X.